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November 14, 2012

Zaha Hadid for Belgrade?

The
project of residential and business complex in the place of former
industrial plant "Beko" is making next stage towards
realization. Recently the investor presented a preliminary design of
the project for the public review. The design of future
multifunctional complex at the foot of the Kalemegdan fortress is an
artwork of the renowned Zaha Hadid architectural studio from London.

The
Greek company "Lamda development", known in Serbia as part
of a holding company with EFG Bank and EKI Petrol, bought the
bankrupt company "Beko" that owned a remarkable piece of
the most exclusive land in the heart of Belgrade.

The
very large plot (more than 38’000m2) is situated between the
Kalemegdan fortress and the Dorcol riverfront near the "MilanGale Muskatirovic" sportcenter (former 25 may sportcenter).

The
zone is of course protected as a monument of culture, however urban
development plans allowed the construction under strict conditions
with a maximum of 115,000m2 of floor space and also increased
architectural standards are requested.

So
the Greek Holding engaged one of the big names in world architecture,
studio Zaha Hadid from London to obtain an outstanding project. And
yes, the project is a stunning solution: what, at the first glance,
looks like photoshop distortion at the second sight shows a subtle
composition that surprises the observer!

From
the architect's site:

"Sitting
in the heart of Belgrade’s cultural axis the project explores the
idea of introducing a habitable landscape whose undulating topography
opens up the BEKO site to a variety of possibilities and views,
whether into the confluence of Belgrade’s two rivers, the subtle
monumentality of the Kalemegdan Castle and internally between
constituent volumes of the design. Developed as a contemporary
Mixed-Use Masterplan it includes Residential, Retail and Commercial
areas along with a large scale Convention facility and a 5* boutique
Hotel."

Hadid's
proposition will hold 94,000m2 of surface (a little less than the
prescribed maximum) but is fully in accordance with the terms of
protection from the Institute for Protection of Cultural Monuments
of Serbia.

The
Masterplan for the Beko site allows for many green spaces throught
the complex with no fences and barriers for public transition that
link the riverfront with the fortress. Through height control,
building shape and size the complex allows interesting angles of view
and surprising situations.

The
city's wish is to avoid that the Beko site becomes an exclusive, but
dead island in the center of the city. So it will be interesting to
see what the project will provide to counter act.

If
the project goes ahead after public review, the investor enters into
the process of obtaining location and building permits. (to be kept updated visit: http://www.beobuild.rs)

It is a stunning project, however I'm not sure whether that location will do. My company (from US) have decided to invest in Serbia, and we had our fair share of difficulties with registering land in Serbia (helpful source http://srbija-nekretnine.org/serbia-property/land). Did someone else have this problem?